Bountiful
XS650 Enthusiast
Several of you know that I had recently posted a reply as a newbie. Joining this forum was always my intention however it’s taken 18 months or so of dropping by to swat up on a few things and get a taste. Now I finally have my XS I guess you could say I’m committed and I feel like it’s certainly a good place to be.
Hi guys and gals I look forward to sharing my journey of ownership with you all and be prepared for lots of questions!
I’ve not had her long, couple months or so. Originally I was looking for something ‘done’ or almost complete in the style of a flat track bike as I have loved the style since I was a boy. My passion for these bikes have stemmed from my dads love of bonnys and the parallel twin engine but I preferred the Yam. I Looked at a few this year but was always disappointed with the condition and lack of matching numbers and then this one came up.
It’s a 447 originally a US import and has lived in Kent for 10 or so years. Its in great nick showing nearly 30k on the clock with no other modifications or upgrades apart from an additional front brake and uprated master cylinder. Invoices show bushes and head bearings replaced. Other than that it doesn’t seem to desperately want anything.
I haven’t carried out compression test yet but it seems quite tight compared to other XS’s I've viewed and kicked over. It starts on second kick usually and idles well though the carbs do require a balance. Not entirely sure how I am going to achieve this as there’s no obvious signs of vacuum nipples on the carbs to connect a manometer so should I just attempt this by feel of the exhaust pressure?
Overall I’m pretty happy with its condition considering it’s age and I feel like I’ve got a goodun. My aim is to tastefully freshen it up rather than to strip and chop into a proper tracker as I feel this one deserves to maintain its originality, also keeping its colour scheme. I love the colour. Subtle changes to be considered are..
..items Like chrome clocks, exchange the bars for the right flat tracker type, the exhaust system- doing away with the balance pipe, a tad shorter and something a bit more free flowing to aid performance. And it must have a pair of Dunlop DT tyres! (Or that type) Though I’ve discovered they only come in 19s so I guess this would mean changing the rear out for a new laced H-pattern Excel- and would this tyre combo fit under the fenders/between forks/swingarm? -Bearing tyre size selection in mind.
Then this leads to suspension. Yes I would like to drop it maybe 2 inch at the front so would it be wise to go for progressive springs before I attempt to fit a lowering kit or will the existing springs work well without replacing them?
Also, I’d like to update the wiring loom I am usually one to lean towards the whole “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” however I’d feel a bit more confident taking her out a bit further knowing it doesn’t have 45year old electrics. A lot of thought has gone into replacing the ignition with a Boyer system but again I’m still keen to keep it on points. I’ve heard and read a lot of conflicting info about swapping the original system for electrical ignition. What are your thoughts and experiences?
Other things on my mind are changing the style of the seat without grinding off the hinges. I see Redmax has an aluminium XR shaped seat cowl which would look great painted in the blue with the pinstripe to match imo but it’s unlikely to fit without much modification to the frame I’m sure so I would consider a compromise of a brat style cushion or something stylish to utilise its current fitment and also keep the rear loop and fender.
What would be the best thing to do in regards to the whole oil filter debarcle? Keep the sump filter and secondary OEM or change these out for the external versions?! Also what are the best options for oil?
Should I be considering a full engine rebuild at this age before I attempt any aesthetic changes?
Currently I am in the process of removing the tank liner which seems to be going quite well and I won’t be re-lining it either as I feel it isn’t required and I’m a firm believer that they’re more trouble than they’re worth in the long run. The tank will be having a re spray along with the side panels as it’s not as nice in the flesh compared to the pics.
I think that’s about it for now, I’ll be dropping by the existing threads from time to time to ask about other things so I’m sure to see you there!
Any help with these ideas, suggestions of suppliers and professionals etc would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all for stopping by and taking an interest in my plans. I look forward to reading everyone’s inputs and oogling at your pics!
Kindest regards, Kev
From Sunny Suffolk.
Hi guys and gals I look forward to sharing my journey of ownership with you all and be prepared for lots of questions!
I’ve not had her long, couple months or so. Originally I was looking for something ‘done’ or almost complete in the style of a flat track bike as I have loved the style since I was a boy. My passion for these bikes have stemmed from my dads love of bonnys and the parallel twin engine but I preferred the Yam. I Looked at a few this year but was always disappointed with the condition and lack of matching numbers and then this one came up.
It’s a 447 originally a US import and has lived in Kent for 10 or so years. Its in great nick showing nearly 30k on the clock with no other modifications or upgrades apart from an additional front brake and uprated master cylinder. Invoices show bushes and head bearings replaced. Other than that it doesn’t seem to desperately want anything.
I haven’t carried out compression test yet but it seems quite tight compared to other XS’s I've viewed and kicked over. It starts on second kick usually and idles well though the carbs do require a balance. Not entirely sure how I am going to achieve this as there’s no obvious signs of vacuum nipples on the carbs to connect a manometer so should I just attempt this by feel of the exhaust pressure?
Overall I’m pretty happy with its condition considering it’s age and I feel like I’ve got a goodun. My aim is to tastefully freshen it up rather than to strip and chop into a proper tracker as I feel this one deserves to maintain its originality, also keeping its colour scheme. I love the colour. Subtle changes to be considered are..
..items Like chrome clocks, exchange the bars for the right flat tracker type, the exhaust system- doing away with the balance pipe, a tad shorter and something a bit more free flowing to aid performance. And it must have a pair of Dunlop DT tyres! (Or that type) Though I’ve discovered they only come in 19s so I guess this would mean changing the rear out for a new laced H-pattern Excel- and would this tyre combo fit under the fenders/between forks/swingarm? -Bearing tyre size selection in mind.
Then this leads to suspension. Yes I would like to drop it maybe 2 inch at the front so would it be wise to go for progressive springs before I attempt to fit a lowering kit or will the existing springs work well without replacing them?
Also, I’d like to update the wiring loom I am usually one to lean towards the whole “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” however I’d feel a bit more confident taking her out a bit further knowing it doesn’t have 45year old electrics. A lot of thought has gone into replacing the ignition with a Boyer system but again I’m still keen to keep it on points. I’ve heard and read a lot of conflicting info about swapping the original system for electrical ignition. What are your thoughts and experiences?
Other things on my mind are changing the style of the seat without grinding off the hinges. I see Redmax has an aluminium XR shaped seat cowl which would look great painted in the blue with the pinstripe to match imo but it’s unlikely to fit without much modification to the frame I’m sure so I would consider a compromise of a brat style cushion or something stylish to utilise its current fitment and also keep the rear loop and fender.
What would be the best thing to do in regards to the whole oil filter debarcle? Keep the sump filter and secondary OEM or change these out for the external versions?! Also what are the best options for oil?
Should I be considering a full engine rebuild at this age before I attempt any aesthetic changes?
Currently I am in the process of removing the tank liner which seems to be going quite well and I won’t be re-lining it either as I feel it isn’t required and I’m a firm believer that they’re more trouble than they’re worth in the long run. The tank will be having a re spray along with the side panels as it’s not as nice in the flesh compared to the pics.
I think that’s about it for now, I’ll be dropping by the existing threads from time to time to ask about other things so I’m sure to see you there!
Any help with these ideas, suggestions of suppliers and professionals etc would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all for stopping by and taking an interest in my plans. I look forward to reading everyone’s inputs and oogling at your pics!
Kindest regards, Kev
From Sunny Suffolk.
